Crash on I-27 kills Killeen woman

By HOMER MARQUEZ Herald News Editor

Published 12:40 pm, Thursday, September 25, 2014

Photo: Homer Marquez

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Crash kills womanA one-vehicle crash late Thursday morning along Interstate 27 killed one woman, who authorities have not identified. The crash occurred about 11 a.m. two miles south of Hale Center when the driver of a 2003 Ford pickup lost control of his northbound vehicle as he attempted take Exit 36. less

Crash kills womanA one-vehicle crash late Thursday morning along Interstate 27 killed one woman, who authorities have not identified. The crash occurred about 11 a.m. two miles south of Hale Center when the ... more

Photo: Homer Marquez

Crash on I-27 kills Killeen woman

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Blanca Fitzmaurice, 50, of Killeen died Thursday following a pickup crash about two miles south of Hale Center.

The driver of the pickup, James Joseph Flynn, 54, of Killeen was not seriously injured and refused medical treatment at the scene. Jail records on Friday morning indicated that Flynn was behind held in Hale County jail without bond on the charge of intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle. He also faced a $1,500 bond for the charge of possession of marijuana under 2 ounces.

According to authorities, the vehicle was traveling north when pickup truck attempted to exit I-27. Flynn apparently lost control of his pickup as he entered the exit ramp. The pickup continued to swerve as it crossed the access road and jumped the curb. The truck hit two trees, flipped through a residence lawn before crashing through a fence.

The woman, who is thought to be in her 50s, was reported to be trapped in the passenger seat and required the Jaws of Life rescue tool to free her.

Hale Center EMS and the Hale Center Volunteer Fire Department responded to the crash but soon requested advance life support from the Plainview Fire Department EMS. Aerocare arrived on the scene, but the woman was transported by Plainview ambulance to Covenant Hospital Plainview while Aerocare followed.

Fitzmaurice was pronounced dead later that afternoon, reportedly after being taken to Lubbock. An autopsy was scheduled.